The Ultimate Guide to the Best Hikes in Ireland
If you are an adventurous person this ultimate guide to the best hikes in Ireland is perfect for you. The Emerald Isle’s landscape offers everything you can wish for, from gentle coastal paths to challenging mountain climbs, all accompanied by myth and legend.
Planning Your Irish Hiking Adventure
Essential Things for Irish Trails
Before you set foot on Ireland’s trails, make sure you’re properly equipped. I recommend packing these essentials:
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Rain gear (jacket and pants)
- Layered clothing
- A backpack with rain cover
- Basic first aid kit
- High-energy snacks and plenty of water
Tip: Your phone’s GPS might be handy, but always carry a paper map and compass as backup!
Understanding Irish Weather: Expect The Unexpected
Irish weather can change really fast. You might experience all four seasons in a single day, so check the forecast before heading out. The best hiking months run from April to October, but with proper equipment, you can hike all year round.
Leave No Trace: Responsible Hiking in Ireland
If you want to hike you have to respect all the consequent responsibilities, such as avoiding disturbing wildlife or picking plants; don’t leave rubbish lying around; sticking to marked trails or closing gates behind you to keep livestock safe.
Navigating the Trails: Maps and Resources
You should check the Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi) maps for detailed trail information. You also can download apps like ViewRanger or AllTrails for digital navigation, but don’t rely only on them. Many trails have colored waymarkers: if you follow these and keep an eye out for signs showing the next marker’s distance, you’ll be absolutely fine.
Best Short Hikes in Ireland: Trails for a Quick Escape
Hill of Tara Walk (County Meath)
The Hill of Tara is an iconic historical site and one of Ireland’s most atmospheric short hikes. It offers easy paths that loop through rolling green hills, with stunning views and ancient monuments along the way. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all fitness levels.
Mullaghmeen Forest (County Westmeath)
You should explore Ireland’s largest beech forest in Mullaghmeen, with its 4 kilometer white loop trail. This easy-going trail lets you wander through magical woodland scenes. You will feel as if you have crossed into another, almost fairy-tale world, that will bring to mind the landscapes you found in storybooks as a child.
Errigal (County Donegal)
Errigal Mountain may be a short hike, but it’s intense, rising steeply to Donegal’s highest summit. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with wonderful views of the rocky Donegal landscape and shimmering lakes below.
Ballyteige Burrow (County Wexford)
Ballyteige Burrow is a 6 kilometer coastal walk that combines beach, dunes, and wildlife spotting. The trail follows a piece of land between the Irish Sea and Ballyteige Bay, where you might spot seals. It’s an ideal option for families and bird-watching enthusiasts.
Ticknock Walk (Dublin 18)
You cannot miss this hike, it’s just minutes from Dublin’s city center and it offers 10 kilometers of trails through forest and plain. You’ll get stunning views of Dublin Bay, the Wicklow Mountains, and on clear days, the Mountains of Mourne. It may become the convenient choice when you are looking for a quick break from the urban chaos.
Queen Maeve Trail (County Sligo)
Follow in the footsteps of the legendary warrior queen Maeve, a woman of great strength and resilience. This well maintained path leads to Queen Maeve’s Cairn, a massive neolithic tomb. You’ll have spectacular views over Sligo and the Atlantic Ocean.
Best Day-Long Hikes in Ireland: Immersive Experiences
Diamond Hill (County Galway)
Diamond Hill offers one of the best hikes in Ireland. It’s an unforgettable, moderate hike that immerses you in Connemara’s unique landscape. It’s a 7 kilometer loop and there are boardwalk sections that protect you while making the hike also in wet conditions.
Coumshingaun Lake (County Waterford)
This hike is a little bit more challenging, it requires good fitness and navigation skills, but rewards you with stunning views and a sense of peace of mind. It’s a 7.5 kilometer loop around Coumshingaun Lake. If you are a little bit brave, you can also consider going for a dip: this is one of the most atmospheric wild swimming spots in Ireland.
Slieve Foy Loop (County Louth)
Slieve Foy Loop it’s a wonderful trail that takes you to the highest point in County Louth. You start from Carlingford village, you’ll climb through forest before emerging onto open mountain terrain. When you reach the summit, you’ll be able to view over Carlingford Lough and Northern Ireland.
Ballycotton Cliff Walk (County Cork)
This path offers constant sea views, passing dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. This is the perfect Sunday walk, the ideal way to relax and enjoy unforgettable beauty. If you are lucky, you can see dolphins playing in the waves below. This is a favorite among locals, the Ballycotton Cliff Walk it’s a blend of sea views and countryside charm.
Blackrock Loop (County Limerick)
The Blackrock Loop combines forest trails and open mountain ground. It’s considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 10 min to complete. The Blackrock Loop is a popular trail for hiking and running, but you can still enjoy some peace during quieter times of day. Look out for red squirrels!
Nore Valley Walk (County Kilkenny)
For this hike, you start from medieval Kilkenny City, embracing a linear walk that follows the River Nore through a landscape rich in history. The path is accessible for most fitness levels. Ideal for a relaxed walk, to take a break and enjoy some serenity.
Sheep’s Head Lighthouse Loop (County Cork)
This 4 kilometer loop packs plenty of drama into a short distance. The trail leads to a picturesque lighthouse on the peninsula’s tip, with stunning Atlantic views throughout. It’s a hidden gem that showcases Cork’s wild side.
Ireland’s Giants: Especially For Experienced Hikers
Croagh Patrick (County Mayo)
Croagh Patrick is one of Ireland’s most well known mountains. It is a pilgrimage hike, offering views of Clew Bay’s hundreds of islets from the summit. This trail is steep and challenging but can be a rewarding spiritual experience, through film-like landscapes.
Mount Leinster (Counties Carlow and Wexford)
The trail starts from the Nine Stones viewing point, following a rough track to the summit. When you arrive at the top you can relax, drink tea and be proud of your effort. Even though it will be a steep beginning, the road will end with panoramic views of rolling hills.
Carrauntoohil (County Kerry)
Carrauntoohil presents Ireland’s ultimate hiking challenge. The most popular route, the Devil’s Ladder, covers 12 kilometers round trip. You’ll need good navigation skills and fitness. Save this for a clear day to enjoy views across the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and beyond.
Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail (County Clare)
The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail is not for sure for the faint-hearted, with dizzying heights and spectacular coastal views. You’ll walk along the cliff tops, reaching heights of 214 meters above the Atlantic. This is a really challenging hike and be sure to check the weather!
Best Multi-Day Hikes in Ireland
The Wicklow Way
This is Ireland’s classic long-distance trail, offering a multi-day experience through forests, valleys, and mountain passes. It’s a classic for serious hikers who want to experience Ireland’s countryside at its finest. Plan your overnight stops in advance at local B&Bs or hostels.
The Cavan Way and Cavan Burren Park
Mix the Cavan Way with exploration of the Cavan Burren Park for a fun two-day adventure. You’ll find limestone landscapes, prehistoric tombs and ancient field systems. It’s ideal for nature lovers.
Lough Derg Way
Follow the River Shannon and Lough Derg’s western shore on a peaceful multi-day hike. The journey passes through woodland, farmland and historic villages. Fishing harbors and marina stops provide you plenty of rest opportunities.
Slieve Bloom Way
The Slieve Bloom Way is a 84 kilometer circular route that takes 4/5 days to complete. The beauty of this trail is walking among forests, hills and moors that are breathtaking. You’ll find plenty of history along the way, including mass rocks and old military roads.
Suck Valley Way
Suck Valley Way is the suitable escape for each of you that enjoy quiet countryside hikes. This route winds through the peaceful landscapes of Roscommon, with small villages, rivers, and rural charm.
Barrow Way
Mills and bridges tell the story of Ireland’s inland waterways. It’s a nice family-friendly option, for easy walking, with plenty of villages for overnight stops. The Barrow Way is a beautiful walk along the historical canal.
Regional Hiking Highlights
Hiking in County Kerry: The Kingdom of Mountains and Coast
Kerry is a hiker’s paradise with routes that provide speechless views of mountains and coastlines. You should plan to try the Gap of Dunloe or Mount Brandon for challenging day hikes. You can check this website to know more information about hiking in County Kerry.
Hiking in the Wicklow Mountains: A Garden of Trails
Beyond the Wicklow Way, explore trails around Glendalough’s lakes or climb Lugnaquilla Mountain, the highest mountain in Ireland outside of Kerry. Check this website for more information.
Hiking Along the Wild Atlantic Way: Coastal Hikes and Dramatic Cliffs
The Wild Atlantic Way offers endless hiking possibilities. Try the Sheep’s Head Peninsula in Cork, the Kerry Cliffs near Portmagee, or Slieve League in Donegal. These coastal trails blend ocean views with chances to spot wildlife and explore remote beaches.
Hiking in Northern Ireland: From Giant’s Causeway to Mountain Summits
Giant’s Causeway
Northern Ireland can be proud of its unique hikes, from the iconic Giant’s Causeway to the Mourne Mountains. This is a must-visit hiking destination.
Embrace the Spirit of Irish Hiking
Know that you know everything about the best hikes in Ireland, which trail did you decide to risk? Let me know in the comments. But remember: do not forget your rain gear!
